OVERZEALOUS street collectors in Bridgend could find themselves in hot water after regulators unveiled tough new rules.

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) want councils across the UK to sign up to an agreement in a bid to reduce complaints from the public about so called chuggers – or charity muggers – using intimidating tactics.

Last month the Gazette reported concerns from Bridgend town councillor David Unwin that street collectors in the town were frightening elderly shoppers.

He also condemned the practice as “a farce and a con” telling the town council’s October meeting: “If you walk down Adare Street you can see little old ladies zig-zagging to get away – but it doesn’t work because the chuggers run after them.”

The PFRA, which is joining forces with the Local Government Association (LGA) to launch the new scheme, currently has agreements with 52 local authorities in England but only one in Wales – with Cardiff City Council.

The agreement, named, “making the pledge”, has been drawn up after an LGA survey revealed three-quarters of councils are concerned about the problem.

The PFRA meanwhile says the agreements will allow local authorities control over numbers of street collectors and where they are allowed to operate.

The code will also restrict working hours and set down dates when street collecting will not be permitted.

PFRA leaders say the agreement will allow councils to take action against charities who employ rogue collectors.

“They push themselves in to you,” said Michael, 36, who has been collecting for 15 years.

“They’re very polite to you to start off with but they know they want to sell you something. Especially for the pensioners and elderly people in Bridgend, they have to dodge them.

“I reckon they shouldn’t be allowed,” he added. “It’s a point of view I think a lot of people will agree with.”

Michael says the PFRA’s agreement is not enough.

“Basically I think there should be a law brought in to say that they’re not allowed on the streets,” he added.

“If they’re allowed on the streets then the council should know that they are there and they should be permitted or have an ID badge.”

PFRA chairman: Paul Stallard said: “Street fundraising is a vital and cost-effective form of fundraising for those charities that rely on it. But we cannot deny that it is controversial. The PFRA has been responding to these challenges for the past 10 years by developing co-regulatory partnerships with councils and we already have more than 50 such agreements. Our day-to-day, bread and butter work is making sure fundraisers adhere to these agreements.”

Currently, street collectors do not require a licence.

Commenting on the new agreement, a spokesman for the council said they were studying them.

He added: “We currently have informal arrangements in place to ensure that charities are informed of any concerns raised by the public, and have been looking at ways of promoting public protection and greater awareness.”